NEGROMANCER 2.0: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Comics Review: "CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4" Closes First Arc

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #4 (2023)

TITAN COMICS/Heroic Signatures

STORY: Jim Zub

ART: Roberto de la Torre

COLORS: Dean White

LETTERS: Richard Starkings of Comicraft

EDITOR: Matt Murray

COVER: Roberto de la Torre

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Giada Marchisio; Nick Percival; Cary Nord; Roberto de la Torre

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Suggested for mature readers

“Bound in Black Stone” Part IV: “Vengeance of the Lost”

Conan the Cimmerian was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard (REH), first appearing in the magazine, Weird Tales (1932). In 1970, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of comic books via the title, Conan the Barbarian. With only a few pauses, Conan comic books have been published for the better part of five decades.

Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures are the new producers of Conan comic books, and they start with a new Conan the Barbarian series. It is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Roberto de la Torre; colored by Dean White and José Villarrubia; and lettered by Richard Starkings. The new series finds Conan returned to his homeland of Cimmeria just when it faces a terrible new threat.

Conan the Barbarian #4 (“Vengeance of the Lost”) opens inside the Citadel of Black Stone. There, Conan sinks into the depths of the abyss beneath the black altar. Now, Conan will learn the secrets of the band of undead Picts known as the “Tribe of the Lost.” In order to find victory, Conan must hear the words of Brule, Chieftain of the Borni Tribes. Is this legendary figure a wraith or salvation? And can he point Conan towards victory?

THE LOWDOWN: Titan Comics has been providing me with PDF copies of their publications for review for several years now. Conan the Barbarian #4 is a recent arrival.

I am happy to see that Titan's new Conan the Barbarian series ends its first story arc after only four issues. If I had my way, other comic book publishers would do this more often.

As I said in my review of the earlier three issues of this series, Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' revival of the Conan the Barbarian comic book series is definitely edgier than Marvel Comics' 2019 revival. Writer Jim Zub has recalled the ass-thumpin, p***y-pounding, blood-splattering pulp storytelling of Roy Thomas. Zub's ending to this first story arc is his own dark and mysterious concoction that offers escape more than total victory for Conan.

Artist Roberto de la Torre has brought Zub's script for this final chapter to comic book life in a veil of magic, smoke, and mysticism, whereas the earlier issues were all fire, blood-and-guts, and mountain-leveling thunder. Dean White brings the magical mists of confusion to de la Torre's art, while Richard Starkings' lettering gives it the ominous soundtrack that it needs.

Seriously, dear readers, if you love Conan comic books, you will hate yourself for denying yourself this new Conan the Barbarian.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Conan comic books will want to try Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures' Conan the Barbarian.

[This comic book includes the essay, “Robert E. Howard and His Ages Undreamed Of” Part Four, by Jeffrey Shanks.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Monday, November 20, 2023

Comics Review: "RUMPUS ROOM #2" is All Killer, No Filler

RUMPUS ROOM #2 (OF 5)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Mark Russell

ART: Ramon Rosanas

COLORS: Ive Svorcina

LETTERS: Andworld Design

COVER: Tony Harris

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kyle Baker; Mark Russell

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

Rumpus Room is a new five-issue miniseries from AWA Studios. It is written by Mark Russell; drawn by Ramon Rosanas; colored by Ive Svorcina; and lettered by Andworld Design. The series pits a group of prisoners against their jailer, a billionaire who needs their organs and fluids.

Rumpus Room introduces Bob Schrunk. He is a tech billionaire, collector of bad art, and sufferer of a terrible skin condition. That condition can only be treated by a special face cream that comes from deep in the bowels of his “Rumpus Room.” Enter Erica Hernandez. She is looking for her missing sister, Olivia, who apparently worked for Schrunk's company – not that he'd care. Erica is about to discover the awful truth.

Rumpus Room #2 opens as Erica gets her bearings in the Rumpus Room. The dominant theme of her conversations with her fellow prisoners is that there is no escape. Meanwhile, Schrunk prepares to face the board of his company, Krympt, and he may lose control of it. Plus, a Schrunk family origin story.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. Rumpus Room #2 is a recent acquisition.

“You either fight to become the person you were meant to be or to control those who have.”

Of all the really good quotes that I have gathered from Rumpus Room, the above is the best. Rumpus Room is a savage satire, and this second issue assures the readers that the creators, writer Mark Russell and artist Ramon Rosanas, are not letting up. It's funny and droll, and it is always full of imaginative surprises. It never goes where I think it will even when I think it is giving me hints.

Reading this second issue, this thought popped into my mind: Rumpus Room is the kind of fiction that would have caused J. Edgar Hoover, the first Director of the FBI, to have Russell and Rosanas monitored. In the future, they'll either be jailed or be proclaimed the comic book equivalents of Anthony Burgess.

Rumpus Room #1 was so good, and Rumpus Room #2 is so so good. Will I one day go to jail for giving Rumpus Room glowing reviews? Who says I'm even real? Can they jail bots?

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Russell's unique brand of comic books will want Rumpus Room.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Sunday, November 19, 2023

Comics Review: "THE MADNESS #3" Brings Magnum Force

THE MADNESS #3 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato with Lee Loughridge; Chris Ferguson

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios. It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano. The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.” She has super-powers: flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time. Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself. She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury. However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #3 opens as The Raven continues her revenge tour. She has tracked down “the Council of Justice,” the team of government-sanctioned superheroes who killed her family and left her in a shattered mental state. They are, however, now aware that she is coming for them. So will that save Agent X-9 from a brutal interrogation? Or will he give up the secrets to a woman beset by madness?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The Madness #3 is a recent acquisition.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski continues to blow my mind with his most excellent scripts for The Madness. He mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority. Still, comic book reviewers often focus a bit too much on the work of the writers, as good as the writer is in this case.

The mad genius of the art and graphical storytelling for this series is artist and co-creator, ACO, and he drives The Madness to the edge of madness again and again. His art recalls the work of both the late Neal Adam in terms of page design and the aforementioned Bryan Hitch in terms of composition. How does ACO convey the madness and thirst for revenge that possesses Sarah Ross? ACO sends the art and storytelling right at us. It is as if ACO keeps grabbing us by the back of the head and slamming our face into the story. He insists that we WILL know The Raven's madness and the violence, chaos, and fear she creates. It's the perfect design of action for a comic book revenge thriller.

So here is a superhero comic book that delivers greatness without requiring you, dear readers, to buy 30 other comic books that are part of some kind of bizarre crossover event. Come and get The Madness, now... or later with the trade paperback.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #31" is All About FAFO

KILLADELPHIA #31

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Mattina; Jae Lee with June Chung

32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part I: “From Hell the Dead Thing Spawned”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander. Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia. The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe. Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia. Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most infamous Hellspawn of all.

Killadelphia #31 (“From Hell the Dead Thing Spawned”) opens in the wake of the events depicted in Killadelphia #30. See Saw stopped time and now, the rulers of realms light and dark have taken notice. They all want See Saw destroyed, but Anansi is determined to protect him – even if it leads to a battle that brings Armageddon closer. Meanwhile, a Demon King has chosen American comic book's most infamous anti-hero as the champion who will bring him See Saw's head.

THE LOWDOWN: It's a new day for Killadelphia. The sixth story arc, “Death Be Not Proud,” begins with a starring role for the most famous creation from the comics universe of Todd McFarlane, Spawn.

Writer Rodney Barnes offers this series first crossover battle, and having Spawn kicking ass is a genius move considering who the guest-star for this arc is. That bodes well for future guest possibilities (Blacula? Blade? Lando Calrissian?), and this new arc retains Barnes' sharp social satirical touches.

The art team of Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe present a hellscape of Ragnarok and roll. This is their “crisis of infinite demonic Earths,” and they don't hold back. The action is heightened by Lee Loughridge storm front of infernal colors and hues for a battle royale.

Where is “Death Be Not Proud” going? Judging by everything that Killadelphia has presented to date, all Hell is breaking and bustin' loose.

Killadelphia #31 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 11-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes

https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex

https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

http://rodneybarnes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259

https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ

https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/

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Comics Review: "RED LIGHT #1" is an Impressive Debut

RED LIGHT #1 (OF 4)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Sarah H. Cho

ART: Priscilla Petraites

COLORS: Miroslav Mrva

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: Jef Dekal

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Frank Cho with Sabine Rich; Chris Ferguson; Frank Cho

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

Red Light is a new four-issue miniseries from writer Sarah H. Cho and artist Priscilla Petraites. Published by AWA Studios, the series follows a futuristic A.I. sex worker who makes a bid for freedom. Colorist Miroslav Mrva and letterer Sal Cipriano complete the series' creative team.

Red Light #1 opens in a futuristic Red-Light District. Lacy is an A.I. sex worker who uses her unusual perceptiveness and intelligence to know what her clients want better than they know themselves. Lacy lives in a high-tech brothel under the watchful eye of her mysterious owner, Mister, who calls her “Mary” after his late wife. Also, there is no escape for Mister's A.I. sex workers.

Lacy has little to do in her manufactured life outside of her sex work. Then, she befriends Natalie, a strange child who is more than Lacy thought her to be. Now, Lacy is thinking differently...

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications back in April. Red Light #1 is one of the latest.

Red Light is not one of those comic books that publishers describe as science fiction, but are really a Green Lantern or Guardians of the Galaxy superhero comic. Red Light is the real freakin' deal in science fiction comic books, and the creators seem to have put considerable thought into this scenario and into possible futures.

I want to be careful about spoiling anything. I can say that creators Sarah H. Cho and Priscilla Petraites have created a deeply evocative first issue. Cho's exposition and dialogue paints the portrait of a dystopian future from a deeply personal and intimate perspective. Petraites art and storytelling capture a sense of fear and oppression, but in Lacy, Petraites creates a rose that has grown from the concrete of this plausibly depraved future. We can see Lacy's inquisitive nature and willingness to ask questions in the lively way Petraites presents her.

Miroslav Mrva's colors and Sal Cipriano's letters complete the process that makes Red Light seem like a genuine story of mystery and exploration. I look forward to seeing where this series goes. Red Light #1 is another winning AWA Studios' first issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of futuristic science fiction comic books will want to read Red Light.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Thursday, November 9, 2023

Comics Review: "JOSIE Anniversary Spectacular #1" Takes the Pussycats to Outer Space

JOSIE ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Holly G!; Frank Doyle; Tom DeFalco

PENCILS: Holly G!: Dan DeCarlo; Kennedy Bros.

INKS: Jim Amash; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vincent DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024); on-sale November 8, 2023

Rating: All-Ages

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”

In December 1962, Archie Comics published a comic book entitled She's Josie. She's Josie #1 (cover date: February 1963) gave a starring role to a level-headed redhead named “Josie Jones” and focused on her fanciful life and times as a teenager. Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie first appeared in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963).

Josie Jones would become "Josie James," and later, she would take the name by which most readers and fans know her, “Josie McCoy.” She's Josie was renamed Josie with issue #17 (cover dated: December 1965). The series became Josie and the Pussycats with issue #45 (cover date: December 1969), in which Josie and her friend, Melody, formed a band called the Pussycats. The two friends added bassist, Valerie Smith, the new girl in school and one of the first major African-American comic book characters. The trio donned leopard print band uniforms that came with long tails and cat-ear headbands. Hanna-Barbera adapted this new-look Josie into the Saturday morning animated television series, “Josie and the Pussy Cats” (1970-71), and the follow-up, “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” (1972-73).

2023 is the year Archie Comics is celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of Josie's debut. Archie has just published the one-shot comic book, Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1. The comic book features one new story, “Rock Cats.” It is written by Holly G!; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Josie and the Pussycats in “Rock Cats”:

The story opens with Josie and the Pussycats: Josie McCoy, Valerie Brown, and Melody Valentine being launched into space aboard the first Lodge/Cabot rocket for an extraordinary concert event. It's a first – Pussycats in orbit! There is trouble in space, however, and soon the girls have lost contact with their fans back on Earth. Can a passing space fan save the day and the concert?

The story features a host of characters from the world of Archie Comics. From Josie and the Pussycats, there is Alan M. Mayberry, Alexander Cabot III, Alexandra Cabot, and Pepper Smith. The “Archie Gang” includes, Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, and Veronica Lodge, to name a few. Plus, there is a special appearance by Cosmo the Merry Martian.

THE LOWDOWN: I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child. I am crazy about classic Josie comic books from the 1960s to the early 1980s and of the 1970s animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1 offers a new story in “Rock Cats” that manages to hit upon a number of familiar Josie elements, although it is only five pages long. I must admit that I like writer-artist Holly G!'s visual nod to the rocket ship that the legendary comic book artist and illustrator, Alex Toth, designed for the “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” animated series.

Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1 also reprints two vintage Josie stories drawn by Dan DeCarlo, Josie's creator. They are “A Gym Dandy” from She's Josie #1, and “The Ghostly Guardian” from Josie and the Pussycats #61 (cover dated: April 1972). This comic book also includes a story starring one of the original She's Josie's supporting characters, Pepper Smith, who has made something of a comeback. It is a modern story entitled “Only the Strong Survive” from World of Betty and Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #18 (cover dated: August 2022).

I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Thus, I am happy to recommend Josie Anniversary Spectacular, No. 1, and I am pleased that Archie Comics has published it. Here's to a brighter future for Josie and the Pussycats.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Anniversary Spectacular No. 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Manga Review: "WITCH OF THISTLE CASTLE Volume 1" is Magical Girl Magic

WITCH OF THISTLE CASTLE VOL. 1

TITAN COMICS/Titan Manga

MANGAKA: John Tarachine

TRANSLATION: Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements

LETTERS: Jessica Burton and Cale Ward

EDITOR: Phoebe Hedges

ISBN: 978-1787741416; paperback (October 31, 2023)

176pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Azami no Shiro no Majo is a fantasy manga from writer-artist John Tarachine. It began serialization in the Japanese magazine, Comic Tatan, in 2019. Titan Manga is publishing an English-language edition of the manga under the title, Witch of Thistle Castle.

Witch of Thistle Castle, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) opens in Edinburgh, Scotland. Spirits and magic are everywhere in this city's streets – if only you dare to see it. Marie Blackwood is the last in a long line of Witches of the Black Wood, and she is also known as “the Black Witch of Albion.” However, Marie Blackwood lives a quiet life in Edinburgh – away from the scrutiny of the Church of London, which oversees magic.

Then, the Church thrusts 13-year-old Theo Edison into her hands for safekeeping. Marie suddenly gains the responsibility not only of taking care of a teenager, but also of protecting the world, and Theo himself, from the amazing power that lives inside of him. It is the power known as “the Blood of Righteous Anger.” Is Theo Marie's apprentice or burden … or more?

THE LOWDOWN: Beginning last month (October 2023), Titan Comics started providing me with print copies of their manga publications for review. Witch of Thistle Castle 01 is the second. The Witch of Thistle Castle manga is also the first title created by John Tarachine that I have read.

Witch of Thistle Castle Graphic Novel Volume 1 is intriguing simply because of the way that author John Tarachine presents magic. In this world, magic works by negotiating with spirits that humans can't see, and even magic users need special means by which to see these spirits. The narrative is at once playful, but there is always an air of menace about it. Tarachine seems to use the sense of mystery and of the unknown as a lure to ensnare readers, which if fine by me. Like me, I think readers will want to know more, much more about the world of this series.

Witch of Thistle Castle presents some of the most beautiful drawn manga art that I have seen in a while. The figure drawing is a combination of sexy angles and playful elegance. The detailed backgrounds are lavish and imaginative, and they serve to transport readers to this world with its unique and eccentric methods of magic and madness

My second experience with Titan Manga is also a win. I hope to keep reading Witch of Thistle Castle. I highly recommend this magical girl manga that is like no other.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of magical girl manga will want to try Titan Manga's Witch of Thistle Castle.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Buy Witch of Thistle Castle Vol. 1 at AMAZON.

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Comics Review: EDENWOOD #1 is a Hellraising Good Read

EDENWOOD #1

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Tony S. Daniel

ART: Tony S. Daniel

COLORS: Jay David Ramos

LETTERS: Nathan Kempf

EDITOR: Kel Symons

COVER: Tony S. Daniel

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mahmud Asrar with Matt Wilson; Jorge Molina; Ryan Stegman with Leonardo Paciarotti; Tony S. Daniel

28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (September 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Chapter One: “The Fallen”

Edenwood is a new fantasy comic book series from writer-artist Tony S. Daniel. Published by Image Comics, the series focuses on a young demon hunter caught in an eons-long war between demons and witches that has found Earth as its latest and final battleground. Colorist Jay David Ramos and letterer Nathan Kempf complete the series' creative team.

Edenwood #1 (“The Fallen”) opens in William's Bay, Wisconsin, which is one mile from the “Edenwood” barrier. An eons-long series of multiverse wars between demons and witches has come to Earth, the conflict's latest and final battleground. The battle pits “Necronema,” the ever-expanding demonic land that supplanted the Midwest twenty years ago, against Edenwood, the witchcraft-controlled land that acts as a barrier against the war zone and the rest of the United States.

Siblings Adelai and Elias and their friends have come to the barrier so that Adelai can meet up with, Rion, the boy upon whom she has a crush. Tragedy strikes, and Rion finds himself in the company of the demon hunter, Bastille. Now, neither Rion nor his world will ever be the same.

THE LOWDOWN: As I have written in my earlier reviews of Tony Daniel's comic books, I was a huge fan of his 1990s creator-owned series, The Tenth. I am also a big fan of his run on “The New 52” Detective Comics for DC Comics.

I love Daniel's detailed pencil art and his intricate, bejeweled inking. His graphical storytelling always manages to also be comic art eye candy. Daniel is also an imaginative writer and storyteller, and over a three decade period in comic books, he has become a maestro. This is not just hot air and flattery. The storytelling in Edenwood is powerful and relentless, and I could certainly felt a sense of fear in myself as I read. Practically every page is a slap in the face or blow to the head simply because Daniel gets right into the story. This first issue isn't story padding trying to pass as an introduction. Edenwood #1 does not allow for any snooze reading or the wandering off of the old attention span.

I often see comments about “Remember when comics were fun?” Image, IDW, Dark Horse, Dynamite, AWA Studios, and Titan Comics are all offering outstanding genre entertainment – like Edenwood. So if you are going to ignore Edenwood #1, please, stop yearning for ye ole days of fun comics. The good old days are now.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Tony S. Daniel will want to sample Edenwood.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/TonyDanielx2

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

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Saturday, October 28, 2023

Comics Review: Chilling Adventures Presents... WELCOME TO RIVERDALE #1

WELCOME TO RIVERDALE #1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC./Archie Horror

STORY: Amy Chase

ART: Liana Kangas

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Liana Kangas

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Marguerite Sauvage

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2023); on sale in comic book shops October 11, 2023

Rating: Teen+

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

But Archie Comics has a dark side, as seen in the imprint “Archie Horror,” which has been around for a decade. Part of the Archie Horror imprint is a series of one-shot comic books under the title Chilling Adventures Presents... The latest is Welcome to Riverdale No. 1. It is written by Amy Chase; drawn by Liana Kangas; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by Jack Morelli. Riverdale, the hometown of Archie and its pals, is the creepy setting for this new tale.

Chilling Adventures Presents... Welcome to Riverdale No. 1 opens as fun-loving teen, Ginger Snapp, arrives in Riverdale at the invitation of her friend, Nancy Woods. Living in Hilldale, Ginger has read a lot about Riverdale, but she is still amazed by how wholesome and welcoming the town truly is. But the overwhelming happiness and endless smiles do feel a bit uncanny, and meeting Riverdale's Mayor Glibb does not help Ginger shake her feelings of unease.

How can everyone in Riverdale be so nice and kind? Well, there is a dark secret to Riverdale, and it is dark enough to earn the term “toxic positivity.”

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time, including some Archie Horror titles, especially Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Welcome to Riverdale No. 1 is the latest.

Welcome to Riverdale No. 1 is a really good, but not great one-shot, but I do think it could be the beginning of something great if the story continues in the future. For those of you who don't know, Ginger Snapp was a 1950s Archie Comics character that had her own book and was meant to be a female Archie Andrews-type. Apparently, the publisher's hope was that the book, entitled Ginger, would replicate the success of the flagship Archie title. Ginger ran for ten issues from 1951 to 1954.

Amy Chase's story for Welcome to Riverdale No. 1 is intriguing and is an engaging read. However, the storytelling by artist Liana Kangas is a bit muddled in several places; it is as if she is trying to use surreal elements to give the story more depth. It isn't so much a question of style as it is execution, and the Ellie Wright's coloring – uninspired as it seems – doesn't help. None of this is bad work; as I said, it is intriguing, and it certainly has potential.

So, there is something to build upon in Welcome to Riverdale No. 1 – if someone is willing to put more thought behind it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Archie Comics' “Archie Horror” imprint will want Welcome to Riverdale No. 1.

[This comic book includes a two-page section on the making of Welcome to Riverdale No. 1.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Thursday, October 19, 2023

Comics Review: "BIG GAME #4" Goes Back to the Future

BIG GAME #4 (OF 5)

IMAGE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Pepe Larraz

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Pepe Larraz with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Matteo Scalera; Pepe Larraz

28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Rated M / Mature

Big Game is a new five-issue comic book event miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Pepe Larraz. Big Game is a crossover event series that pulls together all the franchises that are part of Millar's company/imprint, “Millarworld.” That includes Kick-Ass, Kingsman, Nemesis, and The Magic Order, to name a few. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series' creative team.

Big Game is a sequel to the first Millarworld comic book miniseries, Wanted (2003-04). The stars of that series, The Fraternity, the super-villains that secretly rule the world, defeated their superhero adversaries in 1986. Now, this entity is concerned about the reemergence of superheroes, so it unleashes it new superhero killer, Nemesis (from Nemesis: Reloaded), on a hero-assassination spree.

Big Game #4 opens in the world of the series, Empress (before the events of that series). Hit-Girl (Mindy McCready) has ridden a dead Chrononaut far, far into Earth's deep history. Now, she's face to face with Princess Aine, the daughter of King Morax. The King himself has conquered space, so he is shocked to realize that millions of years in the future – from where Hit-Girl hails – his Empire does not exist and no one remembers it. Now, he believes that time travel can change this unpleasant future reality, but where does that leave Mindy?

Meanwhile, a gathering of superheroes is unaware that they are sitting ducks for Nemesis. So where are The Magic Order and Kick-Ass?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving PDF review copies of Netflix/Millarworld's comic book titles since late 2021. Big Game #4 is the latest.

Big Game #4 is an excellent Empress comic book, especially considering that the long-awaited second series is still long-awaited. Still, I like the manner in which writer Mark Millar is fitting all his series together; Big Game makes Millarworld really feel like an actual comic book world.

All along, series artist Pepe Larraz has unleashed his beautiful and brutal graphical storytelling. Big Game #4 allows him to offer a different tone. Yes, there is still the slaughter, but Larraz's ability to depict multiple worlds and settings gets to impress here. Giovanna Niro makes it all pop with her rich colors, giving the narrative an epic scope.

Big Game #1 had me curious to see what was next. Big Game #2 blew the doorway to my imagination off its hinges. Big Game #3 felt like the story wasn't finished pounding me. Big Game #4 promises to be a blast.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and especially of his Millarworld titles will want to read Big Game.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar

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http://www.millarworld.tv/

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Comics Review: "THE RIBBON QUEEN #3" Checks Her Naughty List

THE RIBBON QUEEN #3 (OF 8)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Garth Ennis

PENCILS: Jacen Burrows

INKS: Guillermo Ortego

COLORS: Dan Brown

LETTERS: Rob Steen

COVER: Declan Shalvey

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodator, Jr.; Chris Ferguson and Jacen Burrows; Declan Shalvey

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

Chapter 3: “From Across the Western Ocean”

The Ribbon Queen is a new eight-issue miniseries from AWA Studios. The series focuses on an ancient and terrible force that is loose in the modern world. It is written by Garth Ennis; drawn by Jacen Burrows (pencils) and Guillermo Ortego (inks); colored by Dan Brown; and lettered by Rob Steen.

The Ribbon Queen introduces NYPD Detective Amy Sun and her current problem. Three years ago, a young woman named Bella Rhineback was rescued from a serial killer by a police tactical unit. Now she’s dead, and Amy has a bad feeling that the SWAT team leader, Keith Connolly, is responsible. Now, as she investigates her own department, she discovers something old and awakened. And it will confront everything she believes.

The Ribbon Queen #3 (“From Across the Western Ocean”) opens with the story of Amy's faux pas – so to speak. Next, up it's a series of conversations – one revealing (with a colleague) and one contentious (with a relative). Then, Amy makes her move on the late Keith Connolly's teammates. Will they listen to her or kill her? Either way, the crap is about to hit the fan over and over again.

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. The Ribbon Queen #3 is a recent title.

Writer Garth Ennis uses The Ribbon Queen #3 as a way to give readers sort of a breather; here, he is only choking them a little instead of choking them out the way he has in previous issues. Ennis even introduces a rival player in this game of death to freshen up the story.

Jacen Burrows, who has been drawing disquieting comic book art for quite a while, uses all his eerie talents here for this issue. Sometimes, Burrows makes reading this comic book feel like I'm watching someone approach me when I know he has a big knife behind his back. Is the knife for my stabbing or is that person going to kill himself in front of me? Yeah, Burrows' storytelling can do that.

When people ask, “Remember when comic books were fun?,” I say, “You mean like now with crazy AWA Studios titles such as The Ribbon Queen?” That's a recommendation, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Garth Ennis and (ought-to-be) fans of Jacen Burrows will want to read The Ribbon Queen.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

THE RIBBON QUEEN PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/ribbon-queen/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Comics Review: "SINS OF THE SALTON SEA #5" Finale is Scary, Heartbreaking and Beautiful

SINS OF THE SALTON SEA #5 (OF 5)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: Ed Brisson

ART: C.P. Smith

COLORS: C.P. Smith

LETTERS: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

COVER: Tim Bradstreet

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Johnson; Chris Ferguson

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

Sins of the Salton Sea is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Ed Brisson and artist C.P. Smith. Published by AWA Studios, the series focuses on a professional thief who finds himself protecting lives rather than collecting the money he was promised. Letterers Steven Wands and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou complete the series creative team.

Sins of the Salton Sea introduces Wyatt, a professional thief living off the grid. His brother, Jasper, convinces him to join his crew for one of those proverbial “last big scores.” What Walt scores is one human sacrifice and a war among factions of a doomsday cult.

Sins of the Salton Sea #5 opens in Star Valley, Arizona. With his brother, Jasper, dying of a gunshot wound, Wyatt heads to the Salton Sea for a final showdown with the Sons of the Salton Sea doomsday cult and their leader, Cecil Currier. Meanwhile, in Centennial, Arizona, one of Cecil's lackeys has possession of Cecil's son, Silver, and they are both headed to the Salton Sea.

As Cecil and the Sons of the Salton Sea prepare to sacrifice Silver to the tentacled creature that lurks in the Salton Sea, Wyatt rushes to the rescue. Is Wyatt, however, willing to be confronted with the truth? With the world falling apart around him, will he maintain his conviction that Silver must be saved – no matter the cost?

THE LOWDOWN: AWA Studios' marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications. Sins of the Salton Sea #5 is a recent arrival.

Sins of the Salton Sea ends as I expected it to end. This comic book series is similar in some aspects to Drew Goddard's The Cabin in the Woods (2011) and M. Night Shyamalan's recent film, Knock at the Cabin (2023), both of which involve an apocalyptic scenario.

What makes Sins of the Salton Sea different, even with its somewhat predictable ending, is that writer Ed Brisson focuses deeply onto and into the characters rather than on the supernatural and the apocalyptic. He focuses on the actors and actions more so than on the endgame. I can euphemistically refer to every character in this story as “crazy,” but clearly, all the main players and plenty of bit players have suffered so much tragedy and heartbreak that they seem to be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brisson cleverly plays judgmental and non-judgmental because (as I see it) he is depicting all his characters as zealots to their cause. It's not so much about good and bad.

Artist-colorist C.P. Smith conveys all the layers and nuances in Brisson's script, but his best trick is the way he presents this story. Smith's storytelling relentlessly tracks realistic to the extend that this series seems more like a modern Western or crime fiction. Smith also always made me believe that everyone is righteous even if not everyone is right. In the end, Smith springs Brisson's trap so that it blows up in our faces; the expected is still unexpected. And letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou lays out the breadcrumbs as he has been doing over his run.

Some might think that Sins of the Salton Sea would make a great movie. I think that it would make a great television (preferably on FX) or streaming series. Brisson and Smith have delivered a plot, setting, and characters that deserve a couple of seasons of lightning and thunder. Good actors can chew on these characters for years. In the meantime, dear readers, if you don't buy the Sins of the Salton Sea trade paperback, there will be trouble coming for you from the Salton Sea.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of action thrillers and of cults and conspiracies will want to try Sins of the Salton Sea.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

SERIES PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/sins-of-the-salton-sea/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

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Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Manga Review: "ALPI: THE SOUL SENDER Volume 1" Makes a Strong Series Debut

ALPI – THE SOUL SENDER VOL. 1

TITAN COMICS/Titan Manga

MANGAKA: Rona

TRANSLATION: Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements

LETTERS: Jonathan Stevenson

EDITOR: Phoebe Hedges

COVER: Rona

ISBN: 978-1787741300; paperback (October 10, 2023)

176pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Soukon no Shoujo to Sourei no Tabi is a manga from writer-artist Rona. It was serialized by Japan's Web Comic Zenyon from 2018 to 2022. Titan Manga is publishing an English-language edition of the manga under the title, Alpi – The Soul Sender.

Alpi – The Soul Sender, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) is set on a magical version of Earth where divine spirits are the source of all life. These spirits are the incarnation of the Sun God's blessed power, and they take the form of animals. However, when a spirit's life ends, a terrible curse drives them to evil.

Enter the “Soul Senders.” They perform a “valediction” that sends the malignant spirits to the afterlife. Alpi is a Soul Sender, a very talented one despite her young age. She travels the land with her familiar, an older man named Perenai.

THE LOWDOWN: Beginning this month October 2023, Titan Comics started providing me with print copies of their manga publications for review. Alpi – The Soul Sender 01 is the first. Alpi – The Soul Sender manga is also the first title created by Rona that I have read.

Alpi – The Soul Sender Graphic Novel Volume 1 belongs to the “magical girl” manga genre. Rona, the series creator, tells the stories of Alpi and her adventures in a episodic form. In this first volume, the five chapters yield four episodes. Rona deftly uses these early chapters to shape Alpi's character and personality and also to establish the bonds between Alpi and Perenai.

In true magical girl fashion, Alpi is likable and plucky, but her demeanor belies a subtle iron will and steady determination that makes us believe that she can overcome the serious obstacles before her. When a spirit goes foul, it is a hot, dangerous mess. Alpi is always up to the challenge, and I think that makes the readers want to put themselves in her place.

Rona's detailed graphical and drawing style serve the narrative well when it comes to depicting the rich and varied environments in which these episodes are set – from a lush lake town to town that is a series of iron works. Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements' translation captures Alpi's winning personality and the seriousness of her mission and vocation; it's also an enjoyable read.

My first experience with Titan Manga is a win. I hope to keep reading Alpi – The Soul Sender.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of magical girl manga will want to try Titan Manga's Alpi – The Soul Sender.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

PREVIEW of Page 127 (top) and Page 6 (bottom):

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Monday, October 9, 2023

Comics Review: "THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #9" Sends in the Clowns

THE BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES (2022) #9

DC COMICS

STORY: Matthew Cody

ART: Scott Jeralds

COLORS: Carrie Strachan

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte

EDITOR: Kristy Quinn

COVER: Scott Jeralds

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Ages 8+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

“Courtroom Circus!”

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries was a 12-issue comic book limited series that DC Comics published in 2021 and 2022. The series brought the characters from both the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? and Batman comic book series together. Over the past five decades, Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma, have joined Batman and (often) Robin to solve mysteries in various animated television series and comic books.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries sold well enough that DC Comics began a second series in October 2022. The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9 (“Courtroom Circus”) is written by Matthew Cody; drawn Scott Jeralds; colored by Carrie Strachan; and lettered by Saida Temofonte.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9 (“Courtroom Circus!”) opens in Crystal Cove, and the city is proud of the tenacious teens known as Mystery Inc. Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo are getting the key to city they call home. Gotham City stalwarts: Batman, Batgirl, and Commissioner Jim Gordon are also present for the ceremony.

Things take a turn for the strange when a purple and green car crashes into the stage and disgorges a gang of wacky clowns that immediately starts menacing the gathered crowd. Before they know exactly what is going on, Commissioner Gordon is blaming Mystery Inc. for this attack, and mayor orders the gang arrested.

Batman is sure that the Joker is behind this clownish conspiracy, but Batgirl is not sure. Can Scooby and Batgirl find out who is really behind this? And how far back does this go into the case files of our favorite teen sleuths.

THE LOWDOWN: As a child, the most important characters in my life were Batman and Robin and Scooby-Doo and company. I am still excited about the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo coming together. One of my favorites is the recent animated film, Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2018). Obviously, The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries is one of those comic book series that are perfectly made for me.

SPOILER ALERT:

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9 is a clever tale that references the first-season episode, “Bedlam in the Big Top” (first shown November 15, 1969), from the classic Scooby-Doo television series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” I did not expect this surprise, which brings back what for me is one of the scariest Scooby-Doo ghosts ever, the “Ghost Clown” a.k.a “Harry the Hypnotist.” I remember being chilled to the bone the first time I saw that particular episode.

Writer Matthew Cody offers one of the best written issues of this second series. It is funny and clever and is filled with breezy dialogue. Scott Jeralds, one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book artists, delivers storytelling with sparkling character action in a narrative that captures the imagination (and captured my heart). Carrie Strachan's colors recall classic Hanna-Barbera animation, and Saida Temofonte's letters bring back the mode of classic kids' comic book lettering.

The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9 is a fun comic book treat, one that I needed today. I think it's worth another read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the union of the worlds of Batman and Scooby-Doo will want The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries.

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Superman of Smallville” by Art Baltazar and Franco.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.dccomics.com/

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Comics Review: "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124"

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (2010) #124

DC COMICS

STORY: Ivan Cohen; Sholly Fisch

PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Robert Pope

INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRae

COLORS: Silvana Brys; Heroic Age

LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Dezi Sienty

EDITORS: Courtney Jordan; Kwanza Johnson (reprint)

COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys

32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Ages 8+

“Driven to Crime”

Welcome, dear readers, to my continuing journey through the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series, which began publication in 2010. I continue to renew my subscription so that I can continue to review this series for you, dear readers.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 opens with “Driven to Crime,” which is written by Ivan Cohen and drawn by Walter Carzon (pencils) and Horacio Ottolini (inks). The story finds Mystery Inc.: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma visiting the set of the television series, “Riding Around with Celebrities in My Town.”

The host, Len, informs the gang that he is planning a spin-off series, “Flying Around with Celebrities Above Town.” However, a gruesome ghost that calls itself “the Aviator” is totally against anyone flying around his unfriendly skies. Now, it's up to Scooby and company to ground this wraith.

As usual, the second story, “Just Plane Spooked,” is a reprint story and is written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Robert Pope and Scott McRae. [This story was originally published in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #18 (cover date: April 2012).] The story finds Mystery Inc. visiting the owner of the airline company, “Receding Airlines.” It seems that his airline's flights are being haunted by the ghost of “Cordelia Fairheart,” a famous female aviator (“aviatrix”) who disappeared with her plane over the ocean over eighty years ago. Now, in order to solve this mystery, Shaggy and company will have to do something that absolutely scares him – take a flight!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 has as a theme aviator ghosts. The new story, “Driven to Crime,” which is drawn by one of my favorite Scooby-Doo comic book art teams, Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini, is surprisingly different. The best part of it is its unusual ending, which is more about restorative justice than criminal justice.

The reprint story, “Just Plane Spooked,” is produced by another of my favorite Scooby-Doo creative teams, that of writer Sholly Fisch and artists Robert Pope and Scott McRae. Although the ending is typical, the story still stands out because the storytellers sell the idea that flying in an airplane practically drives Shaggy bonkers, and that turns out to be funnier than I expected.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #124 is a fun read, and is, like issue #123, an exceptional issue. So grab your “Scooby Snacks” and read it, and maybe watch a Scooby-Doo movie, later. And until next time, Scooby-Dooby-Doo!

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

[This comic book includes a seven-page preview of the DC Comics original graphic novel, “Young Alfred: Pain in the Butler” by Michael Northrop and Sam Lotfi.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Sunday, October 8, 2023

Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Monsterland Volume 1 #5" Assembles an Raucous Endgame

ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND VOLUME 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereya

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: John Royle; Kewber Baal

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2023)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Five: “The Monster Mash”

In 1981, actress and model Cassandra Peterson created the “horror hostess character,” known as “Elvira.” Elvira gradually grew in popularity and eventually became a brand name. As Elvira, Peterson endorsed many products and became a pitch-woman, appearing in numerous television commercials throughout the 1980s.

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. The series finds Elvira returning to the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies), where she joins the “Space-Time Cops” in order to stop Vlad the Impaler from creating a monster army.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #5 (“The Monster Mash”) opens with the Mistress of the Dark putting a writer pal in check. Then, it's on to the big confrontation with Vlad and his benefactor, the disgraced film director, Stanley Salivia. And they're both out for sweet revenge against Elvira, so what will she do when she loses Agent Grant? Call in reinforcements?

Here, comes the “Revengers” and the “Justice Guild,” two superhero teams straight out of the multiverse of movies and ready to brawl. So is this the endgame or is there more madness of the Multiverse of Movies to come?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #5, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

As much as I've enjoyed Elvira in Monsterland (and I have), I never knew what to expect of it. Even when I suspected that writer David Avallone was going to spoof werewolf movies, including of the classic early 1980s horror flick, An American Werewolf in London (1981), I did not know what was coming. That was a good thing.

I totally didn't see his epic finale for this series going down the way “The Monster Mash” does. Avallone's riff on Disney/Marvel's saga-ending Avengers: Endgame is the vehicle by which he is drives Elvira through her current dilemma. If some of “The Monster Mash” resembles the 1987 cult film, The Monster Squad, that's because Elvira has a squad of monsters that needs to be dealt with by another another, friendlier Monster Squad.

Artist Kewber Baal is an excellent match for Avallone's humor. Baal's storytelling has a breezy pace and is quite good at capturing the essences of American cinema and its obvious soft spots, which are ripe for spoofing. Colorist Walter Pereya replicates the garish colors of traditional superhero comic books, and letterer Taylor Esposito provides a kind of end-of-the-saga soundtrack.

Elvira in Monsterland is a delightful romp, and I'm going to miss Felini's magic remote. But H.P. Lovecraft is coming soon.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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